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THE HOLY MANDYLION (SPAS NERUKOTVORNY) IN A SILVER-GILT ENAMELLED OKLAD BY IVAN TARABROV MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1894
THE HOLY MANDYLION (SPAS NERUKOTVORNY) IN A SILVER-GILT ENAMELLED OKLAD BY IVAN TARABROV MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1894
The Holy Mandylion (Spas Nerukotvorny) is an outstanding example of late 19th-century Russian Orthodox art, in which strict canonical tradition is harmoniously combined with the virtuoso craftsmanship of the Moscow silversmithing school. The image of Christ, executed in tempera on wood, is distinguished by the soft modelling of the features, profound inner concentration, and a penetrating, contemplative gaze. The composition is complemented by two angels holding the cloth bearing the miraculous image, reinforcing the theological meaning and emphasising the idea of divine revelation and heavenly protection.The icon is set within a sumptuous silver-gilt oklad created in 1894 in the renowned Moscow workshop of Ivan Filippovich Tarabrov. The oklad is richly adorned with cloisonné and champlevé enamels. The halo surrounding the face of Christ is decorated with an intricate ornamental design featuring deep blue, red, and white tones set against a gilt and blue ground. A distinctive characteristic of Tarabrov’s workshop is the use of gold foil beneath the red enamel, producing a luminous depth of colour and an inner radiance.The cloth (ubrus) bearing the image of Christ is embellished with finely chased decoration on a silver ground, its edges framed by raised ornamental patterns on gilt surfaces. The corner plaques are adorned with vegetal motifs executed in filigree with enamel infill. The fields of the oklad are further enriched with elegant high-relief vegetal ornamentation and bordered by engraved bands, lending the composition harmony and refinement. Every detail of the oklad testifies to exceptional precision of execution and refined artistic taste, enhancing the sacred and solemn character of the image.Marks: Cyrillic letters “IT” – maker’s mark of the silversmith Ivan Filippovich Tarabrov; Assay mark with the initials of the assay master “L•O” (Oleks Lev Fyodorovich) positioned above the date “1894”; Moscow city mark depicting Saint George slaying the dragon.Technique and materials: Wood, tempera; silver, gilding; cloisonné and champlevé enamels; chasing, engraving, filigree.Dimensions: 31.5 × 28 cm.
Begins 02.05.2026
A magnificent icon of the Feasts with an annual menaion and a two-row cycle of Mother of God icons. Russia.19th century.
A magnificent icon of the Feasts with an annual menaion and a two-row cycle of Mother of God icons. Russia.19th century.
Magnificent holidays with a passionate row, an annual menaion and a two-row cycle of icons of the Mother of God - a kind of encyclopedia of the Mother of God images. A majestic monument to Christianity and late Russian icon painting, where in one image the annual and Mother of God universe of Orthodoxy is revealed, full of sacrifice. With the epicenter of suffering and resurrection, the testimony of all the upcoming saints and with hope in the miraculous images of the intercessor. The Virgin Mary series is interrupted by the marks of Unexpected Joy, Joy of All Who Sorrow, the Sign and Coronation of Mary - milestones of the communion and growth of spiritual truths. The Passion Series is composed of: the Ascension of Mary, the Old Testament Trinity, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Raising of Lazarus, the Washing of the Feet, the Last Supper, the Flagellation of Christ, the Imposition of the Crown of Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion, the Descent from the Cross and the Entombment. Particularly attractive is the rare completeness of the lists of icons of the Mother of God, which can serve as an encyclopedia of the Mother of God images. The bright decorative painting on a golden background sounds excitingly solemn and life-affirming. Cypress board, gesso, tempera, gilding. Russia. Second half of the 19th century. Dimensions: 53x44 cm.
Begins 02.05.2026
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